Greetings!
Welcome to our Spring issue of In Focus. Most people are excited about Spring, unless you are one of the many who suffer from ocular allergies! This is why I wanted to devote this issue to a discussion of allergic conjunctivitis.
Definition
Allergic conjunctivitis describes the eye's reaction to allergy-causing substances such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander. It usually causes redness, tearing and itching.
Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors
When your eyes are exposed to an allergen, histamine is released and the blood vessels and conjunctiva become swollen (the conjunctiva is the clear membrane that covers the "white" of the eye). The redness is accompanied by itching and tearing. The itching can be severe. Allergies tend to run in families. Rubbing the eyes makes the situation worse. |
| Allergy Treatments |
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- Over-the-counter allergy eye drops are a popular self-treatment option. In the long run, they are not always effective.
- Oral antihistamine medications may offer some relief. Unfortunately, they may cause dry eyes which can exacerbate the allergic response.
- Nasal sprays have a limited effectiveness for ocular allergies.
- Mild steroid eye drops can be used for severe allergic reactions.
- Prescription allergy eye drops are under-utilized, yet are by far the best option.
The most current prescription drops have a dual-action. First, an antihistamine offers relief in as little as 3 minutes, while the other ingredient prevents mast cells (special white blood cells) from releasing histamine. One of the newest drops we recommend requires only one dose per day! |
| The Optometrist's Role |
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I believe the Optometrist is best suited to help ocular allergy sufferers. Our clinic offers fast, effective and low cost treatment. We are geared to see our patients on short notice. Your medical insurance may pay for the cost of the medicine and office visits.
This photo shows an unhappy camper who has severe seasonal allergies. Chances are, he may require a bit more than 3 minutes for relief! Nevertheless, with proper treatment even this severe case can be controlled.
We hope you have a great time in the outdoors this Spring. Please give us a call if we can assist you. |
